supporter guidance 2022-23 season
The focus has returned to the behaviour of supporters both inside and outside of stadiums; we would highlight some key points included in recent Football Supporters’ Association
communications :
● You don’t have to let off a flare inside a stadium for it to be a criminal offence. Possession of a smoke bomb, or flare, is itself a crime even if you attempt to enter a stadium. This can include being deemed to be en route to the match. The law does not distinguish between smoke bombs, flares, or fireworks.
● Alongside prosecution for a criminal offence, if you are caught in possession of a flare/smoke bomb, you will almost certainly be subjected to a football banning order (up to 3 years).
● Incursion on the pitch is also a criminal offence that could result in a criminal record and football banning order.
● There is an important distinction to be made between club bans and football banning orders. The former is, in effect, a private business banning you from their premises, it could be extended beyond a 3 year football banning order.
● Some clubs are requesting supporters to have ID available for spot checks, there is no lawful requirement to carry ID in this country so while the police can certainly ask you for ID they can't insist you show it to them.
● If the police stop and search you they have to have reasonable grounds to do so and even then they can't demand you give them your personal details unless the officer searching you says you are being reported for an offence.
● If the police suspect you of anti social behaviour they have the powers to take your name and address but not your date of birth.
● Refusal to give your details can lead to the police arresting you. If they want to be assured of your identification they can certainly ask you to produce ID but can't demand it.
Our general advice is that it is easier to cooperate with the police than not, although that doesn't preclude asking reasonable questions about your rights and what legislation they're relying on to ask you questions in the first place.
Ground regs and/or ticket T&Cs say you have to adhere to a steward’s reasonable request. Tickets remain the property of the club so a steward can request to see these at any time.
The presence of CCTV in, and around, all Premier League stadiums means that there is every likelihood of anti-social behaviour being recorded and arrests taking place at some time after the match.
There will be future consequences for all supporters if behaviour continues to deteriorate, local Safety Advisory groups can introduce a reduction in a stadium’s capacity, and ultimately could lead to full stadium closures and points deductions.
Wolves 1877 Trust wants all Wolves supporters to enjoy football in a safe environment; we urge supporters to think through the consequences of their actions.